Taste of Memories honors victims of October 7 terror attacks

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara took part in the "Taste of Memories."

The global event honored the fallen soldiers and victims of the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The day not only marked the one year anniversary of the attack but the anniversary of deadly fighting in Gaza and the region.

The Federation has its own newly remodeled deli named Etty's, after donor Etty Yenni.

That's where Executive Chef Doug Weinstein and volunteers made recipes submitted by some of the families of those killed and being held captive.

"So, tonight we are honoring 9 of the victims of the October 7th massacre in Israel, so in Israel they created a Taste of Memories, they called it, so all of the victims' families gave their favorite recipe to this organization and posted them, " said Weinstein, "and, so, for instance, this gentleman Matan ( Zangauker) loved mushroom bourekas, a bourekas is a filo dough, with mushrooms, leeks, garlic, so good, brushed with butter and baked and so crispy."

They are making some well-known dishes, too.

"We are making that and we are making pizza, we are making alfajores, we made chocolate chip cookies, we have made maple cake, we have got gnocchi with a yam cream sauce, we have done a lot of stuff."

The chocolate chip cookie recipe came from the family of the late Hersh Goldberg-Polin of California.

They are made with cinnamon and cardamom.

In August the 23-year-old who was born in California born was found shot to death in Gaza.

Volunteer and donor SIssy Taran teared up while tasting his favorite cookies and she wasn't alone.

The day not only marks the one year anniversary of the attack, but the beginning of deadly fighting in Gaza and the region.

Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Daniel Meisel is aware of the protests.

"I think those that may be using today to express anti-Israel sentiment, you know they are entitled to their free speech, but it's a callous moment."

Retiring Rabbi Steve Cohen reminded people they can disagree and argue and still come together.

"We have to be strong but our deepest deepest yearning is for peace," said Cohen.

Volunteers decorated the dining areas with kites that flew in the memory of victims and hostages on Sunday.

The money raised at the event will support the recovery of kibbutz Kvar Azza in Southern Israel.

Hersh's Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe includes the following ingredients:2 sticks (8 oz) butter room temperature, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 eggs, 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 12 oz chocolate chips.

Method: 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the sugars, spices and butter until fluffy. 2. Add the eggs one at a time and continue to mix for another two minutes. 3. In a separate bowl mix together all the other ingredients, except the chocolate chips, and add to the mixer. Mix very little, then add the chocolate chips and mix just until you don't see any more flour. 4. Put the mixture in the fridge for at least half an hour, through overnight is event better. 5. Heat the oven to 355F (180C) degrees. 6. Roll cookies in balls of equal size and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with plenty of room for spreading. 7. Bake for about 10 minutes until the cookies are no longer shiny on top. Remove to a cooling rack and bask in the glow of the many compliments.

For a link to the recipes visit https://www.theus.org.uk

For more information visit https://www.jewishsantabarbara.org